window is designed to be the primary window
displayed while calling or cueing a dance.
Choreographic sequences, cue sheets, lyrics, lists of calls,
and a tip/break timer are displayed in this window.
Easy access to the CSDS music player is also available.
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Overview
-
The Call From Screen contains several frames, each of which can
emulate a pile of cards (set of choreographic sequences).
A frame may be brought to the foreground to become the primary frame
(large font). The primary frame may be browsed to select the next sequence to be called.
After a sequence is called (i.e., 'used'), the sequence is moved to the
'used sequences' frame by pressing the 'U' key.
A timer allows both the tip and the break to be clocked.
To use the Call From Screen window with sets of sequences, a dance must
first be set up.
See How to Create a Dance.
-
The Call from Screen window consists of several sections:
a menu, a toolbar, a timer region, a music position indicator,
a status bar, and one or more tabs (e.g., like index cards).
Each tab consists of a header (with shortcut key, frame title and perhaps
other information, and a toolbar) and a frame (the rectangular portion
taking up most of the space).
-
Up to 10 frames of sequences can be utilized during a dance.
Each frame can contain any number of sequences.
When calling a dance, I use about 4 to 6 frames,
depending on the type and level of the dance.
Each frame is set up to contain a specific type of sequences.
For instance, I might have frames with any of the following types of sequences:
old, new, short, easy, hard, workshop, asymmetric, star tip, 6-couple, or
singing call figures.
-
The dance title (e.g.,
)
is displayed in the window header.
-
Any number of dances may be set up, but only one dance may be displayed at a given time.
At a multi-level weekend, I set up one dance for each level to be called.
When the level changes, I just change the displayed dance (via the 'File' menu).
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Primary Tab
-
The primary tab usually occupies the majority of the window. This tab is used
to display the next sequence to be called, a cue sheet, a lyrics file, or a document.
When the primary tab contains a cue sheet, a lyrics file, or other document
(excluding sequences) the entire tab contains the referenced document.
When the primary tab contains a sequence frame, the tab displays the features
described below:
-
The tab header (e.g.,
) shows
-
the function key to press to make the tab become the primary tab (F6);
-
the title of the sequence frame (Workshop); and
-
the location of the current sequence within the frame (20 out of 196).
-
The sequence header (e.g,
) shows
-
the sequence database in which the sequence resides (A2WS);
-
the index of the sequence within that database (2);
-
the date of the last edit to the sequence (14-Oct-05); and
-
the level of the sequence as determined by the parser (A2).
-
The sequence toolbar (
) has
the following buttons:
-
edits
the sequence in graphics mode - shortcut key is Ctrl+G.
-
edits
the sequence in text mode - shortcut key is Ctrl+E.
-
shuffles the order
of sequences within the frame.
-
displays the
first sequence in the frame - shortcut key is Ctrl+F11.
-
displays the
previous sequence in the frame - shortcut key is F11.
-
displays the
next sequence in the frame - shortcut key is F12.
-
displays the
last sequence in the frame - shortcut key is Ctrl+F12.
-
The primary frame (the majority of the primary tab) displays
the current sequence.
-
Navigation keys (Home, End, PgUp, PgDn) and/or the scroll bar on
the right can be used to navigate through the text of the current
sequence.
-
If desired, the current line in the sequence can be highlighted
(from the menu, select 'File | Settings | Call from Screen' and check the
'Highlight current row within sequence' checkbox).
-
When calling, it is often useful to have certain words, phrases, or
entire lines be emphasized in some way, to make them stand out.
Identifiers (e.g., Boys, Girls, Ends, Centers),
directions (In, Out, Right, Left), and modifications to calls are
examples of words or phrases that may be emphasized.
To emphasize a wrods, phrase, or an entire line, special characters
(% for normal emphasis, and $ for stronger emphasis) may be inserted
before and after the word, phrase, or entire line.
-
Comments are enclosed in parentheses and are displayed as green.
-
Calls at the primary level of the sequence are displayed at the top
of the sequence in brown-grey.
-
Extra messages such as 'Ends at Home', 'Not Proofread', 'Star Sequence',
are displayed at the top of the sequence in red.
-
Problems with the sequence are displayed
at the top of the sequence in pink.
-
Formation pictures may be inserted at any point in a sequence.
-
The color and font for each type of message described above can be
customized. Display of the messages may also be disabled.
(from the menu, select 'File | Sequences')
-
The date rectangle (lower right) displays the dates, places, and
groups/clubs where the sequence was called. The date rectangle may
contain several entries, depending upon how many times the sequence
has been called. The program can be configured to disable the display
of the dates rectangle, or to only display dates within the last N years
(where 'N' defaults to 5).
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Secondary Tabs
-
Secondary tabs (right-side of window) show other frames of
sequences, as well as cue sheets, lyrics, and up to three documents (such as
a list of calls). As with the primary tab, each secondary tab has an
associated function key or other hot key (to make it become the primary tab);
a title (e.g., 'Opening biggies', 'Asymmetric', etc.); and, in the case of
sequence tabs, the location of the current sequence within the frame as well
as a total count of how many sequences are in the frame.
-
Timer
-
A countdown timer displays the time remaining for the tip or break.
When active, the timer either clocks a tip or a break. When the timer reaches '0:00',
the window borders blink, and an optional beeping may occur.
The text then turns from black to red, and the timer starts counting backward.
A spin button immediately below the timer adds or subtracts a minute
from the remaining time (or press the '+' and '-' keys).
The 'Stop' button stops the timer. The tip timer may be
configured to automatically start clocking when the music starts playing.
-
Menus
-
The Call from Screen window has an extensive list of menu options.
In addition, context-sensitive pop-up menus can be invoked
(via right mouse click) within the primary frame.
File
-
New...
creates a new dance. Parameters may be specified in a dialog box
to indicate the dance filename, description, location, group/club, quick list,
and date. Once the parameters of the dancer are specified,
the 'Edit Dance' window is invoked. Sequences and documents for the dance
are added in the Edit Dance window.
-
Open dance... (Ctrl+O)
opens an existing dance.
-
Empty dance
opens the 'empty' dance. This is a special dance without any
sequences. This dance is intended for use by round dance cuers or others who
have no need to display sequences.
-
Settings...
customizes the behavior of CSDS. For example, the program can be
configured to enable or disable prompts for confirmation when
a sequence is 'used' or 'removed'. It is worth becoming familiar
with all the many options avaiable to configure the behavior of CSDS.
-
Dance properties
displays a dialog box showing the dance title, filename,
number of sequences, and other information about the current dance.
-
Print (main frame)
prints the contents of the main frame (e.g., a sequence,
a cue sheet, a lyrics file, or a document).
-
Dance History
accesses the last nine (existing) dances that were opened.
-
Close (Ctrl+Q)
closes the Call from Screen window and returns to the
CSDS main window.
Navigate
-
Find Text String... (Ctrl+F)
searches the current sequence frame, the 'used sequences'
frame, or all sequence frames except the 'used sequences' frame
for a sequence matching a given parameter set. Examples of
search criteria include a text string, non-proofread sequences, sequences
with level warnings, problem sequences, sequences with a given
difficulty, sequences with a given rating, or sequences
marked with a star.
-
Find Next (N)
finds the next sequence matching the search criteria.
-
Find Previous (Ctrl+N)
finds the previous sequence matching the search criteria.
-
Previous (F11)
displays the previous sequence in the frame.
-
Next (F12)
displays the next sequence in the frame.
-
First (Ctrl+F11)
displays the first sequence in the frame.
-
Last (Ctrl+F12)
displays the last sequence in the frame.
-
Sequence frames (F1 thru F10)
makes the selected sequence frame become the primary frame.
-
Used sequences (Ctrl+F1)
makes the 'used sequences' frame become the primary frame.
-
Cue sheet (C)
makes the cue sheet frame become the primary frame.
-
Lyrics (V)
makes the lyrics frame become the primary frame.
-
Document # 1 (X)
makes document #1 become the primary frame.
-
Document # 2 (Y)
makes document #2 become the primary frame.
-
Document # 3 (Z)
makes document #3 become the primary frame.
Display
-
Sequences
-
Colors and relative sizes...
Changes the colors and relative font sizes for the
different parts of a sequence. The following parts can be
modified: normal text, highlighted text, comments, warning
messages, problems, distance from home, and calls at level.
-
Primary font...
changes the font name and font size used in the primary
sequence frame.
-
Secondary font...
changes the font name and font size used in the secondary
sequence frames.
-
Inserted formation size...
changes the scaling of the inserted formation pictures.
-
Primary spacing
changes the amount of the spacing between lines
within the primary sequence frame. Possible values are:
0 (single-spaced), 25, 50, 75,
100 (double-spaced), 125, 150, 175, and
200 (triple-spaced).
-
Blank line every 3 lines,
when checked, inserts a blank line every 3 lines.
-
Calls at level,
when checked, displays calls at the primary level at the top of
the sequence.
-
Dates,
when checked, displays the dates rectangle (dates, places,
and group/clubs when the sequence was called).
-
Difficulty (other than Medium),
when checked, displays the sequence difficulty (if not 'Medium')
at the top of the sequence.
-
Level warnings,
when checked, displays a warning message for each call in the
sequence that exceeds the maximum level as defined in
the sequence database.
-
Not proofread,
when checked, displays a warning message if the sequence
has not been proofread.
-
Problems,
when checked, displays any problems marked in the sequence.
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HTML cue sheet
-
Colors and Fonts...
changes colors and fonts used for different sections of
all HTML cue sheets generated by CSDS. Attributes for the
following sections can be changed: title, label, artist,
text, calls, and lyrics.
-
Decrease text size (Ctrl+-)
decreases font sizes within HTML cue sheets
generated by CSDS (i.e., Zoom Out).
-
Increase text size (Ctrl++)
increases font sizes within HTML cue sheets
generated by CSDS (i.e., Zoom In).
-
RTF lyrics
Colors and Fonts...
changes colors and fonts used for different sections within
all RTF lyrics files generated by CSDS. Attributes for the
following sections can be changed: title, lyrics, comments,
and lyrics ID (web database index).
-
Screen format
determines how primary and secondary tabs are displayed.
-
Normal - about 80% of the screen (left side)
is used for the primary tab; the remaining 20% of the screen
(right side) lists the secondary tabs in a column. A splitter
bar allows the size ratio between the two sections to be changed.
-
Split - splits the screen into two equal-sized
sections, each containing a single tab. Whichever tab has
focus is designated the primary tab.
-
Full - entire window (except for menus,
toolbars, status bars, etc.) is used for the primary tab.
No secondary tabs are displayed.
Edit
-
Dance
invokes the 'Edit Dance' window, which allows sequences within the
dance to be specified and filtered.
-
Dance information
invokes the 'Edit Dance Information' dialog box to change the
following dance fields: description, location, group/club,
music quick list, and date of the dance.
-
Frame title
edits the title of the primary frame.
-
Edit source
edits the source associated with the document in the primary frame.
This menu option is only enabled if the file extension
of the document is .TXT, .OUT, .HTM, or .HTML.
-
Add document
adds a document to the dance. A dance may contain a up to
three documents. Recommended document file extensions are .TXT,
.RTF, and .HTML. .DOC files are not recommended, as they
are slow to load since a copy of MS Word must be invoked, and
even then the .DOC file may not display properly within a CSDS window.
If you experience problems displaying a .DOC file within
CSDS, try converting it to a RTF (Rich Text Format) or HTML
(Web Page) file via the 'File | Save As (Save as type)' menu in MS Word.
-
Change document
changes the filename associated with the currently displayed document.
-
Remove document
removes the currently displayed document from the dance.
-
Edit sequence [Text] (Ctrl+E)
edits the sequence in text mode.
-
Edit sequence [Graphics] (Ctrl+G)
edits the sequence in graphics mode (with dancer icons).
-
Problems (Ctrl+P)
marks the current sequence as having one or more problems.
During the dance, you may wish to mark a sequence as
having one or more problems.
After the dance, the sequence can be located
and corrected as necessary.
Problems may be selected from the following list:
'Too long', 'Too short', 'Does not resolve',
'Illegal choreography', 'Awkward flow', 'Not liked by dancers',
'Heads/Sides used after first line', and 'Same hand twice in a row'.
There are also three "user-defined' problems that can be specified.
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Parse sequence
parses the current sequence to determine its level, and whether
or not it contains any unknown or misspelled calls.
-
Proofread sequence
determines whether or not the sequence resolves.
-
Move sequence within frame
-
Move to first
moves the current sequence to the beginning of the frame.
-
Move to previous
moves the current sequence backward one position within the frame.
-
Move to next
moves the current sequence forward one position within the frame.
-
Move to last
moves the current sequence to the end of the frame.
-
Move sequence to another frame (Ctrl+M)
moves the current sequence from the primary frame to a specified
frame and position within that frame.
-
Shuffle sequences
-
All frames (except 'Used')
shuffles the order of sequences within each sequence
frame. The 'used sequences' frame retains the order in which
the sequences were called.
-
Main frame only
shuffles the order of sequences within the primary frame.
-
Use sequence (Ctrl+U)
marks the sequence as being used, moving it
from the primary frame to the 'used sequences' frame.
-
Remove sequence (Ctrl+R)
removes the sequence from the dance without marking it as 'used'.
-
Undo last remove
undoes the last 'Remove sequence' command. The removed sequence
is restored to the frame from which it was removed. Only the
most recently removed sequence can be restored.
Music
-
CSDS Music Player (M)
brings the CSDS Music Player to the foreground.
-
Database (D)
brings the (Load From) Music Database window to the foreground.
-
History list (H)
brings the Music History List to the foreground.
-
Quick list (Q)
brings the Music Quick List to the foreground.
Timer
-
Start TIP (T)
starts the tip timer.
-
Start BREAK (B)
starts the break timer.
-
Stop timer (S)
stops the timer.
-
Timer settings...
accesses tip and break timer functions. The default time
(in minutes and seconds) can be set for both the tip timer and the
break timer. Other parameters can also be modified, such as whether
or not to beep when the timer elapses.
Other
-
Definitions of Calls and Concepts accesses definitions from
the Ceder Chest Square Dance Definition Books.
-
Help displays this help document.
-
Toolbar
-
The Toolbar allows quick access to selected functions.
-
brings the CSDS music player to the foreground.
See Music Player.
- same as Music | CSDS Music Player.
-
brings the (Load From) Music Database window to the foreground
- same as Music | Database.
-
brings the Music Quick List to the foreground
- same as Music | Quick list.
-
brings the Music History List to the foreground
- same as Music | History list.
-
displays the CSDS Settings dialog box
- same as File | Settings....
-
displays the Timer tab of the CSDS Settings dialog box
- same as Timer | Timer settings....
-
displays the Find Text dialog box
- same as Navigate | Find Text String....
-
searches sequence frame(s) for the previous occurrence
matching the current search criteria
- same as Navigate | Find Previous.
-
searches sequence frame(s) for the next occurrence
matching the current search criteria
- same as Navigate | Find Next.
-
changes colors and relative font sizes used when displaying sequences
- same as Display | Sequences | Colors and relative sizes....
-
changes the font name and font size used in the primary frame
when displaying sequences
- same as Display | Sequences | Primary font....
-
shuffles sequences within each sequence frame
- same as Edit | Shuffle sequences | All frames (except 'Used').
-
displays the properties of the current dance
- same as File | Dance properties.
-
sets the display format so that the primary frame is on the
left, and the secondary frames are on the right in a column
- same as Display | Screen format | Normal.
-
sets the display format so that there are two side-by-side frames
of equal width
- same as Display | Screen format | Split.
-
sets the display format so that the primary frame takes up most
of the window
- same as Display | Screen format | Full.
-
invokes the 'Definition of Calls and Concepts' window
- same as Other | Definitions of Calls and Concepts.
-
displays this help document
- same as Other | Help.
-
Music Position Indicator
-
 normal |
|
 automatic loop |
The Music Position Indicator shows
-
the amount of time remaining until the music ends, or until the music is looped.
-
the effective beats per minute (bpm) for the loaded music.
Pressing the 'L' button (or the 'L' key) resets the music position to
either the beginning of the music (if normal mode) or the loop start position
(if automatic looping is on).
-
Status Bar
-
The Status bar shows
-
the CSDS Music Player status
(Stopped (red), Playing (green),
Paused (yellow), Fading (cyan) or
Not Loaded).
-
the title, label, and label number of the currently playing music.
-
the system date and time. Clicking in this region invokes the Windows'
'Date and Time Properties' dialog box, which allows the system date and/or
time to be changed.
-
Keystrokes
-
Most functions within the Call from Screen window can be invoked
simply by pressing a single key. This interface allows you to concentrate
on the dance rather than waste time mousing around with scrolls and clicks.
Try to memorize the shortcut keys that you find useful.
-
Ctrl++ and Ctrl+- –– increase and decrease the font sizes
used in HTML cue sheets generated by CSDS.
-
F1 through F10 –– make the selected sequence frame become the
primary frame.
-
Ctrl+F1 –– makes the 'used sequence' frame become the primary frame.
-
Ctrl+F11, F11, F12 and Ctrl+F12 –– navigate
respectively to the first, previous, next, and last sequence within the
primary frame.
-
A –– toggles the music player's automatic loop (on <--> off).
-
B –– starts the break timer.
-
C –– makes the cue sheet become the primary frame.
-
D –– brings the (Load From) Music Database window to the foreground.
-
F –– starts the music fade out.
-
H –– brings the Music History List window to the foreground.
-
L –– does a music loop reset. If automatic loop mode is on,
the music position is set to the start loop position. If automatic loop
mode is off, the music starts at time 0.
-
M –– brings the CSDS Music Player to the foreground. Pressing
M again will send the Music Player to the background.
-
Ctrl+M –– moves the current sequence to another frame and
position within that frame.
-
N –– finds the next sequence matching the search criteria.
-
P –– toggles the music player between 'Play' and 'Pause'.
That is, when the music is playing, P does a pause;
when the music is not playing, P plays the music.
-
Q–– brings the Music Quick List window to the foreground.
-
R –– removes the current sequence from the primary frame.
-
S –– stops the timer.
-
T –– starts the tip timer.
-
U –– moves the current sequence from the primary frame to the
'used sequences' frame.
-
V –– makes the lyrics frame become the primary frame.
-
W –– rewinds and stops the music.
-
X, Y, and Z –– makes the selected document become
the primary frame.
-
< –– decreases the music tempo.
-
> –– increases the music tempo.